Locking roller assemblies for roller conveyors

ABSTRACT

Locking roller assemblies for locking and unlocking a roller of a roller conveyor. The disclosed locking roller assemblies include rollers that, by default, are locked from rotation in the absence of a transferred object such as a container, crate, or pallet. When an object is present over the roller, the roller is passively actuated by the object to unlock and release the roller, enabling the roller to rotate. When the package or article has passed by the roller, the locking roller assembly resumes the default configuration of locking the roller to prevent rotation. In some embodiments, actuation of the locking mechanism is parallel to the roller axis and accomplished by a lever and cam arrangement. In other embodiments, actuation of the locking mechanism is in a direction that is orthogonal to the roller axis and accomplished by a plunger arrangement.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/061,976, filed Jun. 13, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,507,977, which isa National Stage Entry of PCT/US2017/069009, filed Dec. 29, 2017, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/500,042, filedMay 2, 2017, and of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/593,797, filedDec. 1, 2017, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to roller conveyor systems andmore specifically to a lock system for roller conveyors.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Roller conveyor systems are used for conveyance of objects such ascontainers, crates, or pallets, for example, by gravity or momentum.Examples include roller pallets or “truck” pallets used in the cargo bayof an aircraft, a train car, or semi trailer. Other examples includecargo dollies for transporting objects in a warehouse setting. In someinstances, roller conveyor systems are attached at a high end to aplatform that is being unloaded.

In many roller conveyor applications, the objects are loaded onto theroller conveyors by personnel who physically handle the objects to placeand position the objects on the rollers. Safety hazards are oftenpresented in working with such conveyor systems. Personnel generallyavoid stepping on the rollers in order to keep their footing. Suchavoidance can compromise the way personnel position themselves forlifting and positioning of the objects, which can lead to back andmuscle injuries. Personnel may also inadvertently step on the rollers ofthe roller conveyor while handling the objects and lose their footingbecause of the rolling action of the rollers. A system that mitigatesagainst these hazards would be welcomed.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various embodiments of the disclosure include locking roller assembliesfor roller conveyors that, by default, are in a locked configuration toprevent rotation of the roller in the absence of a transferred object.When an object is transferred onto the roller, the roller is unlocked byan actuation mechanism that is passively activated by the object torelease the roller as the object passes over the roller, enabling theroller to rotate. When the package or article has passed by the roller,the locking/unlocking mechanism resumes the default configuration oflocking the roller and preventing rotation. Accordingly, personnel canstand or walk freely on the locking roller assemblies while handling theobjects.

Herein, “passive” actuation or “passively” actuating is refers to anactuation/actuating that is accomplished by the mere presence of theobject on the roller, without need for active structures orappurtenances external to the locking roller assembly to perform thelocking and unlocking function. The disclosed embodiments aremechanical, self-contained devices that operate passively. There are noelectrical components and no need for a computer or other outsidecontroller.

Structurally, various embodiments of the disclosure include a lockingroller assembly for a roller conveyor system, comprising a rollerconfigured for rotation about a rotation axis, means for locking theroller to prevent the roller from rotating about the rotation axis, andmeans for passively actuating the locking roller assembly to unlock theroller when an object is transferred onto the roller, wherein thelocking roller assembly defaults to a locked configuration in absence ofthe object.

In some embodiments, the means for locking the roller includes a lockshaft defining a lock shaft axis that extends parallel to the rotationaxis, and a lock clutch coupled to and in fixed rotational relationshipwith the roller, the clutch being configured for selective coupling withthe lock shaft. The means for locking the roller may include a biasingelement that biases the locking roller assembly into the lockedconfiguration. The lock clutch may be contained within the roller. Insome embodiments, the lock clutch is translatable over the lock shaftalong the lock shaft axis for selective coupling and decoupling betweenthe lock shaft and the lock clutch. In some embodiments, the lock shaftis translatable within the lock clutch along the lock shaft axis forselective coupling and decoupling between the lock shaft and the lockclutch. The locking roller assembly may comprise at least one protrusionthat extends radially outward from the lock shaft axis of the lock shaftto engage the lock clutch when one of the lock shaft and the lock clutchis in a lock position.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, means for passively actuatingthe locking roller assembly includes a cam configured to translate oneof the lock shaft and the roller from a lock position to an unlockposition, and a lever affixed to the cam for actuating the cam, wherein:when the lever and the cam are in the lock position, the means forlocking the roller is configured to prevent the roller from rotatingabout the rotation axis; and when the lever and the cam are in theunlock position, the means for locking the roller is configured toenable the roller to rotate about the rotation axis. In someembodiments, the cam rotates about a pivot axis that extends in adirection that is orthogonal to the lock shaft axis to translate theroller parallel to the lock shaft axis. In some embodiments, whenactuated from the lock position to the unlock position, the leverrotates away from the roller in a direction parallel to the lock shaftaxis. In some embodiments, the cam is a cam cylinder concentric with androtatable about the lock shaft axis from the lock position to the unlockposition, and the lever is coupled to and in a fixed rotationalrelationship with the cam cylinder and is rotatable about the lock shaftaxis.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, means for locking the rollerincludes a lock shaft that defines a lock shaft axis that extendsparallel to the roller axis, and a lock clutch affixed to the roller,the roller and the lock clutch being translatable parallel to the lockshaft axis from a lock position to an unlock position. In someembodiments, when the lock clutch is in the lock position, the lockclutch is coupled with the lock shaft to prevent the roller fromrotating about the rotation axis, and, when the lock clutch is in theunlock position, the lock clutch is decoupled from the lock shaft toenable the roller to rotate about the rotation axis. In someembodiments, means for locking the roller includes a biasing elementthat biases the locking roller assembly into the locked configuration.The lock clutch may engage an exterior surface of the roller when in thelock position. Some embodiments comprise a second roller, the secondroller defining a second rotation axis that is parallel to the rotationaxis. In some embodiments, when the lock clutch is in the lock position,the lock clutch is coupled with the second roller to prevent the secondroller from rotating about the rotation axis; and, when the lock clutchis in the unlock position, the lock clutch is decoupled from the secondroller to enable the second roller to rotate about the rotation axis. Insome embodiments, the means for passively actuating the locking rollerassembly is disposed between the roller and the second roller.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, means for passively actuatingthe locking roller assembly includes a plunger assembly translatablealong an actuation axis and operatively coupled to the means for lockingthe roller, the actuation axis extending in a direction that isorthogonal to the rotation axis, wherein: when the plunger assembly isin a lock position, the means for locking the roller is configured toprevent the roller from rotating about the rotation axis; and when theplunger assembly is translated from the lock position to an unlockposition, the means for locking the roller is configured to enable theroller to rotate about the rotation axis. The plunger assembly mayinclude one of a rotatable ball and a wheel at a top end of the plungerassembly. In some embodiments, the plunger assembly includes a sleeveand a shaft, the shaft being translatable within the sleeve along theactuation axis.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, locking roller assembly for aroller conveyor is disclosed, comprising: a roller defining and beingselectively rotatable about a rotation axis, the roller being suspendedat opposing ends by a first support and a second support; a lockingmechanism including a lock shaft and a lock clutch; and an actuationmechanism configured to translate the roller and the lock clutch fromthe lock position to the unlock position. The lock shaft defines a lockshaft axis that extends parallel to the rotation axis, the lock shaftincluding a first end portion that is mounted to the first support, thelock shaft being in substantially fixed relationship relative to thefirst support. The lock clutch may be coupled to and in fixed rotationalrelationship with the roller, the lock clutch being translatable alongthe lock shaft from a lock position to an unlock position. In someembodiments, when the actuation mechanism is in the lock position, thelock shaft is coupled with the lock clutch, thereby preventing theroller from rotating about the rotation axis, and, when the actuationmechanism is in the unlock position, the lock shaft is decoupled fromthe lock clutch, thereby enabling the roller to rotate about therotation axis. The actuation mechanism may include a cam and a lever,the cam being configured to translate the roller and the lock clutchfrom the lock position to the unlock position, and the lever beingaffixed to the cam, the lever and the cam being rotatable about a pivotaxis to actuate the cam, the pivot axis extending in a direction that isorthogonal to the shaft axis. In some embodiments, when the actuationmechanism is rotated from the lock position to the unlock position, thecam translates the lock clutch along the lock shaft to decouple the lockclutch from the lock shaft, thereby enabling the roller to rotate aboutthe rotation axis. In some embodiments, the lever includes an arcuateportion that, when in a lock position, extends through a plane that isinclusive of an upper-most tangent line of the roller, the plane beingparallel to the pivot axis. When in an unlock position, the arcuateportion of the lever may be below and substantially flush with theplane.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, a locking roller assembly fora roller conveyor is disclosed, comprising: a roller defining and beingselectively rotatable about a rotation axis; a locking mechanismincluding a lock clutch and a lock shaft; and an actuation mechanismconfigured to translate the roller and the lock clutch from the lockposition to the unlock position. The lock clutch may be coupled to andin fixed rotational relationship with the roller, the lock shaftdefining a lock shaft axis that extends parallel to the rotation axis,the lock shaft being translatable through the lock clutch from a lockposition to an unlock position. In some embodiments, when the actuationmechanism is in the lock position, the lock shaft is coupled with thelock clutch, thereby preventing the roller from rotating about therotation axis, and, when the actuation mechanism is in the unlockposition, the lock shaft is decoupled from the lock clutch, therebyenabling the roller to rotate about the rotation axis. In someembodiments, the actuation mechanism includes a cam cylinder and alever, the cam cylinder being concentric with and rotatable about thelock shaft axis from the lock position to the unlock position. The levermay be coupled to and in a fixed rotational relationship with the camcylinder about the lock shaft axis. In some embodiments, the camcylinder defines a cam slot, at least a portion of the cam slot defininga spiral about the lock shaft axis. The locking mechanism may include afollower that extends from the lock shaft into the cam slot, whereinrotation of the cam slot about the lock shaft axis causes the camcylinder to exert a force on the cam follower, thereby translating thelock shaft along the lock shaft axis. In some embodiments, the lockshaft axis and the rotation axis are coaxial.

For various embodiments of the disclosure, the lock clutch includes aplurality of fingers that define a plurality of notches therebetween.The locking mechanism may include at least one protrusion that extendswithin the plurality of notches to engage the plurality of fingers whenthe lever and cam are in the lock position, thereby preventing theroller from rotating about the rotation axis. In some embodiments, thelock clutch translates parallel to the lock shaft axis to pass over anddisengage the at least one protrusion when the actuation mechanism is inthe unlock position, thereby enabling the roller to rotate about therotation axis. Alternatively, the at least one protrusion translatesparallel to the lock shaft axis to withdraw from the plurality ofnotches and disengage the plurality of fingers when the actuationmechanism in the unlock position, thereby enabling the roller to rotateabout the rotation axis. In some embodiments, the at least oneprotrusion extends radially outward relative to the lock shaft axis forengagement with the plurality of fingers. The plurality of fingers mayextend radially inward, toward the lock shaft axis, and the plurality offingers may extend radially inward from a continuous outer ring portionof the lock clutch.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a biasing elementcoupled to the lock shaft that biases the locking mechanism and theactuation mechanism toward the lock position. The biasing element may beone of a spring and a repelling magnetic arrangement. The spring may beone of a coil spring, a bow spring, and an elastic plug. The lockingmechanism may include a pin that extends radially outward relative tothe lock shaft axis. In some embodiments, the biasing element is thespring that acts against the pin to bias the locking mechanism towardthe lock position. In some embodiments, the spring is the coil springthat is coaxial about the lock shaft axis.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, a locking roller assembly fora roller conveyor is disclosed, comprising a roller defining and beingrotatable about a rotation axis, the roller being suspended at opposingends by first and second supports. A locking mechanism is selectivelyengageable with the roller. In some embodiments, the locking mechanismincludes a lock clutch translatable along an actuation axis from a lockposition to an unlock position, the actuation axis extending in adirection that is orthogonal to the rotation axis. An actuationmechanism may include a plunger assembly translatable along theactuation axis, the plunger assembly being coupled to the lockingmechanism. In such embodiments, when the locking mechanism and theactuation mechanism are in the lock position, the lock clutch is coupledwith the roller to prevent the roller from rotating about the rotationaxis, and, when the locking mechanism and the actuation mechanism are inthe unlock position, the lock clutch is decoupled from the roller toenable the roller to rotate about the rotation axis.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, a truck pallet is disclosed,comprising a platform, with any of the locking roller assembliesdisclosed above mounted to said platform. In various embodiments of thedisclosure, a cargo dolly is disclosed, comprising a platform, with anyof the locking roller assemblies disclosed above mounted to saidplatform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective, partial cutaway view of a locking rollerassembly and mount in a locked configuration according to an embodimentof the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective, partial cutaway view of the locking rollerassembly and mount of FIG. 1 in an unlocked configuration according toan embodiment of the disclosure

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a locking roller assembly and mount in alocked configuration according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the locking roller assembly and mount ofFIG. 3 in an unlocked configuration according to an embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a locking roller assembly and mountaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective, partial cutaway views of the lockingroller assembly of FIG. 5 in a locked configuration according anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the locking roller of FIG. 6according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an actuator assembly implemented in thelocking roller assembly of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective, assembled views of the actuatorassembly of FIG. 9 in the locked configuration according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective, partial cutaway views of the lockingroller assembly of FIG. 5 in an unlocked configuration according anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the locking roller of FIG. 12according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 14A is an enlarged, partial view of FIG. 14;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are perspective, assembled views of the actuatorassembly of FIG. 9 in the unlocked configuration according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cargo dolly incorporating lockingroller assemblies according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged, partial view a locking roller assembly of thecargo dolly of FIG. 17 according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 19 is a roller pallet incorporating locking roller assembliesaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a locking roller assembly 30 a for a rollerconveyor is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Thelocking roller assembly 30 a includes a roller 32 a, a locking mechanism34 a, and an actuation mechanism 35 a for unlocking the locking rollerassembly 30 a. The locking mechanism 34 a includes a lock shaft 33, alock clutch 40 through which the lock shaft 33 can be translated, andone or more locking protrusions 37 that extends radially outward fromthe lock shaft 33. The lock clutch 40 of the locking mechanism 34 a isaffixed to the roller 32 a. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism34 a includes a biasing element 42. For the locking roller assembly 30a, the actuation mechanism 35 a includes a cam 36 configured totranslate the lock shaft 33, and a lever 38 for actuating the cam 36.

In the depicted embodiment, the locking roller assembly 30 a issupported by a roller mount 50 including a first support 52 and a secondsupport 54, the locking roller assembly 30 a being suspended at opposingends by the first support 52 and the second support 54. The roller 32 adefines and is selectively rotatable about a rotation axis 56. The lockshaft 33 of the locking mechanism 34 a defines a lock shaft axis 72 thatextends parallel to the rotation axis 56, the lock shaft 33 including afirst end portion 74 that is mounted to the first support 52 and asecond end portion 75 mounted to the second support 54. In the depictedembodiment, the lock shaft axis 72 and the rotation axis 56 are coaxial.In some embodiments, the lock shaft 33 is translatable relative to thesupports 52 and 54 along the lock shaft axis 72. The lock shaft 33 andlocking protrusion(s) 37 of the locking mechanism 34 a are configuredfor translation from a lock position 82 (depicted in FIG. 1) to anunlock position 84 (depicted in FIG. 2). The roller 32 a and clutch 40,while rotatable about the rotation axis 56, are in a substantially fixedtranslational relationship with the supports 52 and 54 along therotation axis 56.

In some embodiments, the cam 36 is configured to translate the lockshaft 33 from the lock position 82 to the unlock position 84. The lever38 is rotatable about the lock shaft axis 72 to actuate the cam 36. Inthe depicted embodiment, the cam 36 is a cam cylinder 92 concentric withand rotatable about the lock shaft axis 72 from the lock position to theunlock position. The lever 38 is coupled to and may be in a fixedrotational relationship with the cam cylinder 92 about the lock shaftaxis 72. When in the lock position 82, the lever 38 extends through asubstantially horizontal plane 76 that is inclusive of an upper-mostline 78 of the roller 32 a. In the unlock position 84, the lever 38 isrotated through the plane 76 and into an orientation that is proximate(i.e., substantially flush with) the plane 76.

In some embodiments, the cam cylinder 92 defines a cam slot 94, at leasta portion of which may define a spiral portion 96 about the lock shaftaxis 72. The locking mechanism 34 a may include a follower 98 (e.g., apin as depicted) that extends into the cam slot 94. In some embodiments,the cam slot 94 extends symmetrically from an apex 102, definingeffectively dual slots 104 and 106 that define a mirror image about thelock shaft axis 72 that extends from the apex 102. When in the lockedposition 82, the follower 98 is seated at the apex 102 of the dual slots104 and 106.

The lock clutch 40 is coupled to and in fixed rotational relationshipwith the roller 32 a, with the lock clutch 40 and lock shaft 33 of thelocking mechanism 34 a configured for selective coupling and decoupling.In some embodiments, the lock clutch 40 includes a plurality of fingers122 that define a plurality of notches 124 therebetween. Theprotrusion(s) 37 extends radially outward from the lock shaft axis 72and into the plurality of notches 124 to engage the plurality of fingers122 when the lever 38 and cam 36 are in the lock position, therebypreventing the roller 32 a from rotating about the rotation axis 56. Theprotrusion(s) 37 translates parallel to the lock shaft axis 72 towithdraw from the plurality of notches 124 and disengage the pluralityof fingers 122 of the lock clutch 40 when the lever 38 and cam 36 are inthe unlock position, thereby enabling the roller 32 a to rotate aboutthe rotation axis 56. In the depicted embodiment, protrusion(s) 37extends radially outward relative to the lock shaft axis 72 forselective engagement with the plurality of fingers 122. In someembodiments, and the plurality of fingers 122 extend radially inwardfrom a continuous outer ring portion 128 of the lock clutch 40.

In the depicted embodiment, the biasing element 42 is coupled to thelock shaft 33 to bias the locking mechanism 34 a and the actuationmechanism 35 a toward the lock position. In some embodiments, thebiasing element 42 may be one of a spring 132 (depicted) or a repellingmagnetic arrangement. By way of non-limiting example, the spring 132 maybe one of a coil spring (depicted), a bow spring, and an elastic plug orsleeve. In the depicted embodiment, the spring 132 acts against theprotrusion(s) 337 for the biasing. In some embodiments, theprotrusion(s) 37 are defined by a pin 134 that extends radially outwardrelative to the lock shaft axis 72, the pin 134 and spring 132 beingconfigured to so that the spring 134 acts against the pin 132 to biasthe locking mechanism 34 a.

Functionally, when the lever 38 and the cam 36 are in the lock position,the lock shaft 33 and lock clutch 40 of the locking mechanism 34 a arecoupled, thereby preventing the roller 32 a from rotating about therotation axis 56. For the depicted arrangement of the cam cylinder 92,rotation of the cam slot 94 about the lock shaft axis 72 causes the camcylinder 92 to exert a force on the cam follower 98, thereby translatingthe lock shaft 33 along the lock shaft axis 72. The cam slot 94 enablesa camming action that drives the follower 98 parallel to the lock shaftaxis 72, which in turn drives the lock shaft 33 along the lock shaftaxis 72. Accordingly, when the lever 38 and cam 36 are rotated from thelocked position to the unlock position, the cam 36 translates the lockshaft 33 along the lock shaft axis 72 to disengage the lockingprotrusion(s) 37 and the lock clutch 40 of the locking mechanism 34 a,thereby enabling the roller 32 a to rotate about the rotation axis 56.The skilled artisan will recognize that the spiral portion 96 (whenimplemented) of the cam slot 94 may reduce friction between the cam slot94 and the follower 98 during the camming action relative to a straightinclined slot.

Also, the dual slots 102 and 104 enable the cam cylinder 92 to beoperated in either direction. That is, the cam cylinder 92 may berotated in either direction about the lock shaft axis 72 to define theunlocked position 84 and release the roller 32 a. In other embodiments,the passage of objects over the locking roller assembly 30 a in only onedirection may be desired. In such embodiments, only one of the dualslots 102 or 104 is defined in the cam cylinder 92, enabling release ofthe locking roller assembly 30 a in only one rotational direction. Insuch an embodiment, the lever 38 of the locking roller assembly 30 aacts as a stop in the non-rotating direction. This aspect may enablepersonnel to push objects in an upward incline over the locking rollerassembly 30 a without fear of the object rolling backwards due togravity.

In operation, when an object being transferred along the roller conveyorsystem engages the roller 32 a, the object contacts the lever 38,causing the lever 38 to rotate proximate the plane 76. Rotation of thelever 38 causes the cam 36 to act against the cam follower 98 andtranslate the lock shaft 33 along the lock shaft axis 72, therebydecoupling the lock shaft 33 and the lock clutch 40 of the lockingmechanism 34 a to enable the roller 32 a to rotate about the rotationaxis 56. Thus, when the object is engaged with and passes over theroller 32 a, the roller 32 a can rotate. As the object passes by theroller 32 a, the object no longer holds the lever 38 in the unlockposition. In the depicted embodiment, the force exerted by biasingelement 42 reverses the action of the cam 36 to restore the couplingbetween the lock shaft 33 and the lock clutch 40 of the lockingmechanism 34 a, thus locking the roller 32 a and returning the lever 38to the lock (upright) position.

Herein, the locking roller assemblies are referred to generically orcollectively by reference character 30, with specific locking rollersbeing referred to by the reference character 30 followed by a lettersuffix (e.g., locking roller 30 a). Similarly: the rollers are referredto generically or collectively by reference character 32, with specificrollers being referred to by the reference character 32 followed by aletter suffix (e.g., roller 32 a); the locking mechanisms are referredto generically or collectively by reference character 34, with specificlocking mechanisms being referred to by the reference character 34followed by a letter suffix (e.g., locking mechanism 34 a); and theactuation mechanisms are referred to generically or collectively byreference character 35, with specific actuation mechanisms beingreferred to by the reference character 35 followed by a letter suffix(e.g., actuation mechanism 35 a).

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a locking roller assembly 30 b for a rollerconveyor is depicted in a second embodiment of the disclosure. Thelocking roller assembly 30 b includes a roller 32 b, a locking mechanism34 b, and an actuation mechanism 35 b for unlocking the locking rollerassembly 30 b. The locking roller assembly 30 b may be supported by aroller mount 221 having a first support 222 and a second support 224,with the locking roller assembly 30 b being suspended at opposing endsby the first support 222 and the second support 224.

The roller 32 b defines and is rotatable about a rotation axis 226. Thelocking mechanism 34 b is selectively coupled with the roller(s) 32 b.The locking mechanism 34 b includes a lock clutch 208, and, in someembodiments, a biasing element 212. In the depicted embodiment, thereare two rollers 32 b separated by and operatively coupled to the lockingmechanism 34 b and the actuation mechanism 35 b.

The actuation mechanism 35 b includes a plunger assembly 206 having astationary sleeve 242 that is in fixed relation with the first andsecond supports 222 and 224, and a shaft 244 that is translatable withinthe sleeve 242 along an actuation axis 246. The shaft 244 is coupled tothe lock clutch 208 of the locking mechanism 34 b and is in fixedrelationship with the lock clutch 208 along the actuation axis 246. Theactuation axis 246 may extend in a direction that is orthogonal to therotation axis 226. A top end 262 of the plunger assembly 206 extendsthrough a plane 264 defined by an upper-most tangent line 266 of theroller(s) 32 b, the plane 264 being orthogonal to the actuation axis246. In some embodiments, a rotatable ball 268 (or, alternatively, apivoting wheel) defines the top end 262 of the plunger assembly 206, therotatable ball 268 being mounted to the shaft 244 and a portion of therotatable ball 268 extending proud through the plane 264.

The lock clutch 208 of the locking mechanism 34 b is coupled to theplunger assembly 206 of the actuation mechanism 35 b and translatablealong the actuation axis 246 from a lock position 248 (FIG. 3) to anunlock position 249 (FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the lock clutch 208includes a plurality of teeth 282 for gripping the roller 32 b when inthe lock position 248. In some embodiments, one or more teeth (notdepicted) are coupled to the roller 32 b which are configured to engagethe plurality of teeth 282 when the lock clutch 208 is in the lockposition.

In the depicted embodiment, the biasing element 212 is coupled to theplunger assembly 206 of the actuation mechanism 35 b and lock clutch 208of the locking mechanism 34 b to bias the plunger assembly 206 and thelock clutch 208 toward the lock position 248. In some embodiments, thebiasing element 212 may be one of a spring 284 (depicted) or a repellingmagnetic arrangement. By way of non-limiting example, the spring 284 maybe one of a coil spring (depicted), a bow spring, and an elastic plug orsleeve.

Functionally, when the plunger assembly 206 of the actuation mechanism35 b and the lock clutch 208 of the locking mechanism 34 b are in thelock position 248, the lock clutch 208 is coupled with the roller 32 bto prevent the roller 32 b from rotating about the rotation axis 226. Inthe depicted embodiment, the plurality of teeth 282 bear against theouter surface of the roller 32 b to effect the locking of the roller 32b. When the plunger assembly 206 and lock clutch 208 are translated fromthe lock position 248 to the unlock position 249, the clutch 208 isdecoupled from the roller 32 b to enable the roller 32 b to rotate aboutthe rotation axis 226. In some embodiments, at least a portion of theroller 32 b that contacts the plurality of teeth 282 may be of a highfriction material, such as rubber or BAKELITE®, for better gripping bythe plurality of teeth 282. Alternatively or in addition, the pluralityof teeth 282 may be comprised of the high friction material. Forembodiments where the roller 32 b includes one or more teeth (notdepicted), the one or more teeth engage the plurality of teeth 282 for apositive locking action.

In operation, when an object being transferred along the roller conveyorsystem engages the roller 32 b, the actuation mechanism 35 b is actuatedwhen the object contacts the plunger assembly 206, causing the plungerassembly 206 to depress downward, so that an upper extremity of the topend 262 is depressed toward and proximate to the plane 264. Depressionof the plunger assembly 206 translates the shaft 244 along the actuationaxis 246, causing the lock clutch 208 to disengage the roller 32 b,thereby enabling the roller 32 b to rotate about the rotation axis 226.The rolling action of the rotatable ball 268 enables the object to rollover the plunger assembly 206 without significant resistance.Accordingly, when the object is engaged with and passes over the roller32 b, the roller 32 b can rotate. As the object passes by the roller 32b, the actuation mechanism 35 b is released and no longer holds theplunger assembly 206 in the unlock position 249. In the depictedembodiment, the force exerted by biasing element 212 restores the lockclutch 208 into engagement with the roller 32 b, thus locking the roller32 b and returning the top end 262 of the plunger assembly 206 to thelock position 248 above the plane 264.

Referring to FIGS. 5 through 8, a locking roller assembly 30 c for aroller conveyor is depicted according to a third embodiment of thedisclosure. The locking roller assembly 30 c includes a roller 32 c, alocking mechanism 34 c, and an actuation mechanism 35 c for unlockingthe locking roller assembly 30 c. The locking mechanism 34 c includes alock shaft 339, a lock clutch 340 that can be translated over the lockshaft 339, and at least one locking protrusion 337 that extends radiallyoutward from the lock shaft 339. The lock clutch 340 is affixed to theroller 32 c. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 34 c includes abiasing element 342. For the locking roller assembly 30 c, the actuationmechanism 35 c is a lateral actuator assembly, configured to laterallytranslate the roller 32 c and affixed lock clutch 340 over the lockshaft 339.

The locking roller assembly 30 c may be supported by a roller mount 350including a first support 352 and a second support 354. The lock shaft339 of the locking mechanism 34 c is suspended at opposing ends by thefirst support 352 and the second support 354. The roller 32 c isselectively rotatable about a rotation axis 356. The lock shaft 339 ofthe locking mechanism 34 c defines a shaft axis 372 that extendsparallel to the rotation axis 356, the lock shaft 339 including a firstend portion 374 that is mounted to the first support 352 and a secondend portion 375 mounted to the second support 354. In the depictedembodiment, the lock shaft axis 372 and the rotation axis 356 arecoaxial. Also in the depicted embodiment, the lock shaft 339 andprotrusion(s) 337 are in a static relationship relative to the first andsecond supports 352 and 354. That is, the lock shaft 339 neither rotatesnor laterally translates relative to the supports 352 and 354. Instead,the roller 32 c and the lock clutch 340 are translatable relative to thelock shaft 339 along the lock shaft axis 372. By this translation, theroller 32 c is can be configured in one of a lock position 382 (depictedin FIGS. 5 through 8) and an unlock position 384 (depicted in FIGS. 12through 14A). In the depicted embodiment, the actuator assembly 35 c isconfigured to laterally translate the roller 32 c.

The lock clutch 340 is coupled to and in fixed rotational relationshipwith the roller 32 c, with the lock clutch 340 being selectivelyengageable with the protrusion(s) 337. In some embodiments, the lockclutch 340 includes a plurality of fingers 422 that define a pluralityof notches 424 therebetween (FIG. 6). The locking mechanism 34 c mayinclude at least one protrusion 337 that extends within the plurality ofnotches 424 to engage the plurality of fingers 422 when the lockingmechanism 34 c is in the lock position 382, thereby preventing theroller 32 c from rotating about the rotation axis 356. The roller 32 cand lock clutch 340 translate parallel to the lock shaft axis 372 topass over the protrusion(s) 337, thereby disengaging the protrusion(s)337 from the plurality of notches 424 and the plurality of fingers 422of the lock clutch 340 when the locking mechanism 34 c is in the unlockposition 384, thereby enabling the roller 32 c to rotate about therotation axis 356. In the depicted embodiment, protrusion(s) 337 extendsradially outward relative to the lock shaft axis 372 for selectiveengagement with the plurality of fingers 422. In some embodiments, andthe plurality of fingers 422 extend radially inward from a continuousouter ring portion 428 of the lock clutch 340.

In the depicted embodiment, the biasing element 342 is coupled to thelock shaft 339 to bias the locking mechanism 34 c and actuator assembly35 c into the lock position 382. In some embodiments, the biasingelement 342 may be one of a spring 432 (depicted) or a repellingmagnetic arrangement. By way of non-limiting example, the spring 432 maybe one of a coil spring (depicted), a bow spring, and an elastic plug orsleeve. In the depicted embodiment, the spring 432 acts against theprotrusion(s) 337 for the biasing. In some embodiments, theprotrusion(s) 337 is defined by a pin 434 that extends radially outwardrelative to the lock shaft axis 372, the pin 434 and spring 432 beingconfigured to so that the spring 432 acts against the pin 434 to biasthe locking mechanism 34 c.

Referring to FIGS. 9 through 11, 15, and 16, the actuator assembly 35 cis depicted in more detail according to an embodiment of the disclosure.The actuator assembly 35 c includes a lever 338, at least one cam 392, ayoke 394, a stop 396, and a pivot pin 398. The lever 338 is fixedlycoupled to the cam(s) 392, for example by welding or other conventionalcoupling arrangements available to the artisan. In the depictedembodiment, the lever 338 is formed of a round rod 386 having a circularcross-section 387 (FIG. 14A) that defines an arcuate portion 388. Thecam(s) 392 includes an arcuate surface 402 and a stop engagement surface404. In the depicted embodiment, the yoke 394 and stop 396 arediametrically opposed about the lock shaft 339 of the locking mechanism34 c, and attached to the lock shaft 339 with fasteners 406 that passthrough the yoke 394, lock shaft 339, and stop 396. The cam(s) 392 arepivotally mounted to the yoke 394 with the pivot pin 398, the pivot pin398 defining a pivot axis 408, the pivot axis 408 extending in adirection that is orthogonal to the lock shaft axis 372. The lever 338is offset from the pivot axis 408 by a distance X (FIG. 8).

Referring to FIGS. 12 through 16, the locking roller 30 c is depicted inthe unlock position 384 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.The lever 338 and cam(s) 392 are rotatable about the pivot axis 408 foractuation of the locking mechanism 34 c. In the unlock position 384, thearcuate surface 402 is extended laterally against the end of the roller32 c to laterally translate the roller 32 c. When in the lock position382, the lever 338 extends through a plane 376 inclusive of anupper-most tangent line 378 (FIGS. 7, 13, 14, and 14A) of the roller 32c and extending parallel to the pivot axis 408, the plane 376 extendingabove the first and second supports 352 and 354. In the unlock position,the lever 338 is rotated laterally outward and away from the roller 32 cso that an upper extremity of the lever 338 approaches plane 376.

In operation, when the actuator assembly 35 c is in the lock position382, the lock shaft 339 and the lock clutch 340 of the locking mechanism34 c are coupled, thereby preventing the roller 32 c from rotating aboutthe rotation axis 356 (FIGS. 6 through 8). When an object 360 (FIGS. 12,14, and 14A) passes over the locking roller 30 c, the object slides uponto the arcuate portion 388 of the lever 338, thereby generating adownward force FD on the lever 338 due to gravity. The downward force FDcauses a moment M about the pivot axis 408 because of the offsetdistance X between the lever 338 and the pivot axis 408. In this way,the actuator assembly 35 c is pivoted about the pivot axis 408 into theunlock position 384, causing the cam(s) 392 to rotate toward and exert alateral force FL on roller 32 c. The arcuate portion 388 of the leverrotates laterally away from the roller 32 c, which may cause the arcuateportion 388 to slide against a contacting surface 362 of the object 360as it pivots downward toward the plane 376 (FIG. 14A). The circularcross-section 387 of the round rod 386 facilitates the sliding actionagainst the contacting surface of the object.

Actuation of the actuation mechanism 35 c causes the arcuate surface 402of the cam(s) 392 to slidingly engage with the end of the roller 32 c toexert the lateral force FL and laterally translate the roller 32 crelative to the locking mechanism 34 c along the lock shaft axis 372.The lateral translation is depicted by arrow 364. Accordingly, theupper-most tangent line 378 of the roller 32 c may also slide laterallyagainst the contacting surface 362 of the object, as depicted in FIG.14A. The lateral translation of the roller 32 c causes the lock clutch340 to pass over the protrusion(s) 337 of the locking mechanism 34 c(FIGS. 12-14), thereby disengaging the lock clutch 340 from theprotrusion(s) 337 and enabling the roller 32 c to rotate about therotation axis 356. The spring 432 biases the roller 32 c laterallytoward the actuator assembly 35 c, so that in the lock position 382, thestop engagement surface 404 of the cam(s) 392 is engaged against thestop 396.

Referring to FIGS. 17 through 19, example embodiments incorporating thelocking roller assemblies 30 of the present disclosure into variousroller conveyance systems are depicted in embodiments of the disclosure.In the depictions of FIGS. 17 through 19, the locking roller assemblies30 c are depicted. However, it is understood, and the skilled artisanwill readily recognize, that any of the locking roller assemblies 30disclosed herein may be implemented in the example embodiments.

In FIGS. 17 and 18, a cargo dolly 450 is depicted according to anembodiment of the disclosure. The cargo dolly 450 includes a platform452 to which a plurality of unidirectional rollers 454 may be mounted.Standard equipment on the cargo dolly 450 may include pallet stops 456that lift an object (not depicted) above the rollers 454 to secure theobject in place, and lower the object onto the rollers 454 to enable theobject to be transferred over the platform 452. The cargo dolly 450further includes locking roller assemblies 30 disposed proximate theedges of the platform 452. As described above, the locking rollerassemblies 30 default to a locked configuration such that the rollers tonot rotate. Rotation of the rollers is enabled when an object, such as acrate or pallet, passes onto and passively actuates the locking rollerassembly 30 to release or unlock the roller 32 and enable the roller 32to rotate.

In FIG. 19, a roller or “truck” pallet 470 is depicted according to anembodiment of the disclosure. The truck pallet 470 includes a platform472 onto which a plurality of the locking roller assemblies 30 aremounted, the rollers 32 extending proud above the platform 472. In thedepicted embodiment, the platform 472 includes tread areas 474 on theinterior portion of the platform 472. The actuating mechanisms 35 of thelocking roller assemblies 30 are disposed proximate the tread areas 474.The truck pallet 474 may also include pallet stops (not depicted), akinto the pallet stops 456 of the cargo dolly 450.

Functionally, the locking roller assemblies 30 incorporated into theexample cargo dolly 450 and truck pallet 470 enable personnel to step onthe rollers 32 without having the rollers 32 rotate, which can causeimbalance and loss of footing. For the cargo dolly 450, the lockingroller assemblies 30 disposed proximate the edges of the platform 452enable personnel handling objects for transfer to step on the edges ofthe platform 452 without loss of footing or balance. For the truckpallet 470, where all the rollers are with locking roller assemblies 30,personnel can walk on any portion of the platform 472 the rollers 32without imbalance or loss of footing. It is noted that, even ifpersonnel step on and activate an actuation mechanism 35, the foot thatactivated the actuation mechanism 35 will not rest solely on a roller32, but will bridge to the actuation mechanism 35. Accordingly, evenstepping on an actuation mechanism will not necessarily cause imbalanceor loss of footing.

Each of the additional figures and methods disclosed herein can be usedseparately, or in conjunction with other features and methods, toprovide improved devices and methods for making and using the same.Therefore, combinations of features and methods disclosed herein may notbe necessary to practice the disclosure in its broadest sense and areinstead disclosed merely to particularly describe representative andpreferred embodiments.

Various modifications to the embodiments may be apparent to one of skillin the art upon reading this disclosure. For example, persons ofordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the variousfeatures described for the different embodiments can be suitablycombined, un-combined, and re-combined with other features, alone, or indifferent combinations. Likewise, the various features described aboveshould all be regarded as example embodiments, rather than limitationsto the scope or spirit of the disclosure.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize thatvarious embodiments can comprise fewer features than illustrated in anyindividual embodiment described above. The embodiments described hereinare not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which thevarious features may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are notmutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the claims cancomprise a combination of different individual features selected fromdifferent individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinaryskill in the art.

Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such thatno subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicitdisclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above isfurther limited such that no claims included in the documents areincorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference ofdocuments above is yet further limited such that any definitionsprovided in the documents are not incorporated by reference hereinunless expressly included herein.

Unless indicated otherwise, references to “embodiment(s)”, “disclosure”,“present disclosure”, “embodiment(s) of the disclosure”, “disclosedembodiment(s)”, and the like contained herein refer to the specification(text, including the claims, and figures) of this patent applicationthat are not admitted prior art.

For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended thatthe provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) are not to be invoked unless thespecific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in the respectiveclaim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A locking roller assembly for a roller conveyor system, comprising: a roller configured for rotation about a rotation axis; means for locking said roller to prevent said roller from rotating about said rotation axis; and means for passively actuating said locking roller assembly to unlock said roller when an object is transferred onto said roller, said means for passively actuating said locking roller assembly including a plunger assembly translatable along an actuation axis and operatively coupled to said means for locking said roller, said actuation axis extending in a direction that is orthogonal to said rotation axis, wherein when said plunger assembly is in a lock position, said means for locking said roller is configured to prevent said roller from rotating about said rotation axis, and when said plunger assembly is translated from said lock position to an unlock position, said means for locking said roller is configured to enable said roller to rotate about said rotation axis, wherein the locking roller assembly defaults to a locked configuration in absence of said object.
 2. The locking roller assembly claim 1, wherein said means for locking said roller includes a biasing element that biases said locking roller assembly into said locked configuration.
 3. The locking roller assembly of claim 1, wherein said lock clutch engages an exterior surface of said roller when in said lock position.
 4. The locking roller assembly of claim 1 comprising a second roller, said second roller defining a second rotation axis that is parallel to said rotation axis, wherein: when said lock clutch is in said lock position, said lock clutch is coupled with said second roller to prevent said second roller from rotating about said rotation axis; and when said lock clutch is in said unlock position, said lock clutch is decoupled from said second roller to enable said second roller to rotate about said rotation axis.
 5. The locking roller assembly of claim 4, wherein said means for passively actuating said locking roller assembly is disposed between said roller and said second roller.
 6. The locking roller assembly of claim 1, wherein said plunger assembly includes one of a rotatable ball and a wheel at a top end of said plunger assembly.
 7. The locking roller assembly of claim 1, wherein said plunger assembly includes a sleeve and a shaft, said shaft being translatable within said sleeve along said actuation axis.
 8. A locking roller assembly for a roller conveyor, comprising: a roller defining and being rotatable about a rotation axis, said roller being suspended at opposing ends by first and second supports; a locking mechanism selectively engageable with said roller, said locking mechanism including a lock clutch translatable along an actuation axis from a lock position to an unlock position, said actuation axis extending in a direction that is orthogonal to said rotation axis; and an actuation mechanism including a plunger assembly translatable along said actuation axis, said plunger assembly being coupled to said locking mechanism, wherein: when said locking mechanism and said actuation mechanism are in said lock position, said lock clutch is coupled with said roller to prevent said roller from rotating about said rotation axis, and when said locking mechanism and said actuation mechanism are in said unlock position, said lock clutch is decoupled from said roller to enable said roller to rotate about said rotation axis.
 9. The locking roller assembly of claim 8, wherein said plunger assembly includes one of a rotatable ball and a wheel at a top end.
 10. The locking roller assembly of claim 9, wherein said top end of said plunger assembly extends through a plane defined by a top surface of said roller, said plane being orthogonal to said actuation axis.
 11. The locking roller assembly of claim 8, wherein said lock clutch includes a plurality of teeth for gripping said roller when in said lock position.
 12. The locking roller assembly of claim 8, wherein one or more teeth are coupled to said roller and said lock clutch is configured to engage said one or more teeth when said lock clutch is in said lock position.
 13. The locking roller assembly of claim 8, wherein said locking mechanism includes a biasing element coupled to said lock clutch that biases said lock clutch and said plunger assembly toward said lock position.
 14. A locking roller assembly for a roller conveyor, comprising: a roller defining and being selectively rotatable about a rotation axis; a locking mechanism including a lock clutch and a shaft, said shaft defining a shaft axis; and an actuation mechanism configured to translate said lock clutch from a lock position to an unlock position, said actuation mechanism being mechanically and passively actuated without electrical components, wherein: when said actuation mechanism is in said lock position, said lock clutch is coupled with said roller, thereby preventing said roller from rotating about said rotation axis; and when said actuation mechanism is in said unlock position, said lock clutch is decoupled from said roller, thereby enabling said roller to rotate about said rotation axis.
 15. The locking roller assembly of claim 14, wherein said shaft axis and said rotation axis are coaxial.
 16. The locking roller assembly of claim 14, wherein said lock clutch includes a plurality of fingers that define a plurality of notches therebetween.
 17. The locking roller assembly of claim 16, wherein said plurality of fingers extend toward said shaft.
 18. The locking roller assembly of claim 14, comprising a biasing element coupled to said shaft that biases said locking mechanism and said actuation mechanism toward said lock position.
 19. The locking roller assembly of claim 18, wherein said biasing element is one of a spring and a repelling magnetic arrangement. 